Cottondale’s industrial origins and suburban present
First constructed in 1871, Cottondale’s namesake cotton mill was a crucial driver of the local economy. Conditions were not inspiring. Mother Jones, the legendary labor leader, once took a job in the Cottondale mill to investigate working conditions for children in the South. The mill eventually burned down, but the community that grew around it survives to this day, though it has shifted from its industrial focus. Today, the neighborhood is mostly suburban and residential, with easy commutes to major employers in the area. “It’s probably a good midway point to Vance, which is where the Mercedes-Benz plant is,” says Jason Patton, a Realtor with the Patton Group of Keller Williams. “I wouldn’t say it’s a bedroom community, since it’s not quite so far out, but it’s definitely a good place to commute.”
Cottondale is only a few minutes drive to the Mercedes-Benz manufacturing plant.
If you like the open road shop at the local Harley Davidson store in Cottondale Alabama.
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Ranch builds from the 1960s and onward
Hidden off the main streets that run through the center of the neighborhood, Cottondale’s homes sit on narrow drives, often with large yards cordoned off by chain-link fences. Many of the homes near the center of the neighborhood were built in the 1960s, though some of the newer subdivisions around the edges sprung up in the ’80s and ’90s. Older ranch builds can sell for between $100,000 and $200,000, while newer homes in similar styles can sell from $200,000 to near $300,000.
Brick homes are sprinkled throughout the Cottondale neighborhood.
Cottondale locals enjoy a well maintained lawn.
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Easy commutes from Cottondale
Cottondale is just east of Tuscaloosa city limits but still near the area’s main thoroughfares. University Boulevard leads just over 5 miles to the University of Alabama, and downtown Tuscaloosa is just a mile further. Meanwhile, Interstate 20 runs south of the neighborhood, with the Mercedes-Benz manufacturing plant 12 miles away. Birmingham, 50 miles east on I-20, is home to the nearest major airport, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.
The Strip is where the University of Alabama students shop near Cottondale.
Cottondale has direct commuting routes and well-kept homes.
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Family fun days at Gordon Davis Park
Right in the heart of Cottondale, Gordon Davis Park operates as a community gathering spot, with five baseball and softball diamonds that serve Cottondale Dixie Youth Baseball and Softball, as well as a playground. The park also hosts events including Family Fun Days, a spring and fall event that includes food vendors, bouncy houses and a home run derby. Just west of the neighborhood, the University of Alabama Arboretum features a trail system that winds through the area’s gardens and woodlands.
Be sure and visit Gordon Davis Park.
Cheer on your team at Gordon Davis Park.
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Education in Tuscaloosa County Schools
In Tuscaloosa County Schools, Cottondale students start at Cottondale Elementary School, which receives a B-minus grade from Niche, followed by Davis-Emerson Middle School, which receives a C. C-plus-rated Holt High School has a 78% graduation rate, lower than the Alabama state average of 90%. Parents can also send their kids to nearby private schools, including kindergarten through 12th grade at Tuscaloosa Christian School, which receives a B-minus.
Cottondale Elementary School is a great place to learn.
Davis-Emerson Middle School is a great place to learn.
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Businesses on University Boulevard
University Boulevard cuts through the center of Cottondale and serves as the area’s main commercial corridor. Though most of the area businesses are industrial, residents have a few local spots to grab a meal. Oasis Bar and Grill offers traditional pub fare like burgers and Salisbury steaks, while Chabely’s Mexican Grill serves up tacos and margaritas for its cast of regular visitors. “There’s definitely more to the Cottondale area than surrounding areas like Holt,” Patton says. “It’s more of its own town with its own restaurants.” For groceries, Cottondale residents have to head further up University Boulevard to its intersection with 15th Street, where they can choose from Winn-Dixie and Fresh Value, plus some fast-food options.
Enjoy fine dinning in Cottondale at 2059 Restaurant and Bar.
Souths Finest Meats is a local butcher shop in Cottondale.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,582
Median Age
41
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$57,408
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$76,736
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
86.8%
College Graduates
23.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.9%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
57''
Average Winter Low Temperature
37°F
Average Summer High Temperature
94°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
27/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
31/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
